MADISON, N.J. – The FDU-Florham men's basketball team nearly knocked off the Freedom Conference's first place Misericordia University Cougars, but ultimately came up short in a 72-69 overtime loss on Saturday afternoon at Ferguson Recreation Center.

The Devils (1-18, 0-8 Freedom) fought valiantly to overcome an eight-point halftime deficit and traded blows with the Cougars (15-4, 7-1 Freedom) in the game's final minutes. With 2.5 seconds to play in regulation, FDU-Florham sophomore forward Donte Ali (Willingboro, N.J.) tied the game by finishing a tough layup in traffic and drawing the foul, but missed the ensuing free throw, which sent the game to overtime.

Trailing by five points with 24 seconds to go in the extra frame, Devils senior guard Kevin Furlong (Hazlet, N.J.) drained a 3-pointer. The Devils' full-court pressure forced a Misericordia turnover but they were unable to capitalize as Veon Lassiter (Elizabeth, N.J.) missed a jumper with the shot clock winding down and the Cougars secured the rebound. James Hawk converted 1-of-2 from the line, which gave the Cougars a 72-69 edge. However, without a timeout, the Devils were forced to go the full 94 feet and Furlong's buzzer-beating heave from half court was off the mark and the Cougars escaped.

Ali led a balanced attack for the Devils with 18 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and three blocks for his fourth double-double of the season, while Furlong filled up the stat sheet with 16 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Freshman guard Steve Herdman (South Amboy, N.J.) matched Ali's team-high 18 points and added five assists and three rebounds to his ledger in the loss.

The Devils struggled to contain 6'10" Misericordia starting center James Hawk, who posted a monster line with 27 points, 21 rebounds and eight blocks. Hawk provided the Cougars extra opportunities with his seven offensive rebounds. Senior guard Joe Busacca finished with 14 points and nine rebounds, including a clutch off-balance layup in the final minute of overtime. In the win, Busacca eclipsed the 1,000 point career mark.

The Devils struggled to the tune of 29.3 percent shooting from the floor but enjoyed success at the free throw line with an 8-for-10 performance.

Misericordia used Hawk's inside presence to total 42 points in the paint, which contributed to their 48.1 percent shooting clip.

FDU-Florham returns to action this Wednesday, February 4 when they visit Wilkes-Barre, Pa. to take on King's College at 8 p.m.